What the Bible says about Tassels

Last weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to be a vendor at the Refresh Conference at Simpsonville First Baptist.  The weekend long conference was dedicated to creating community for adoption and foster parents.  I met so many wonderful ladies and I feel like I learned so much about how God calls on people to love and serve one another.

Another thing that I learned last weekend, was the symbol of the tassel and I was so surprised when I found out that the Bible mentions tassels in numerous places!

• Matthew 9:20 "Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe (tassel) of his cloak." Verse 22 reads, "Take heart daughter, your faith has healed you."  

• Numbers 15:39-41 "It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes...so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God.  I am the Lord, your God."

How amazing is that?   From now on, the significance of a tassel will not just be an idea of something "trendy" to me.   It now has a beautiful meaning of our importance to God, and how it can always be a reminder of Him.

I've loved creating tassel jewelry and pretty much all things tassel!   This week, I shipped out a custom tassel keychain and included these verses on a card for my client.  How amazing to do what you love and share God's word too!

Check out my Etsy shop for all things tassel, and even some tassel bookmarks for your Bible!

9.8.17 Friday Favorites

"So much of who we are is where we have been." 

William Langewieche

Happy Friday!

Last week, my husband and two of our friends traveled to Florida for the week.  We had a great time sight seeing, shopping, and spending time at the beach!  We stayed in Jacksonville at the St. Johns Town Center, which is amazing!  All of the shopping and restaurants you could ever dream of, all in one spot.

This week, I'm going to share some of my favorite things from our trip!

Here's this week's Friday Favorites list.

1. Lush Ruffle Bell Sleeve Top from Nordstrom

In college and high school, most of my wardrobe was black.  It was slimming, classic, and it probably didn't help that I was an artsy kid.  Nonetheless, I still love classic black tops and dresses.  I found this flowy ruffle sleeve top at Nordstrom in the Town Center for only $24.99! It will be perfect for Fall, and even for Christmas get togethers!  It's also still on Nordstrom's website here.

2.  Pina Colada from the Conch House

One of my absolute favorite places to go when I'm in St. Augustine, is the Conch House.  I've been going there since 2002 and I have to visit there at least once on every trip to Florida.   If you go, you have to get a pina colada and sit in one of the tiki huts at the marina.  You won't be disappointed!

3.  Pineapple Float from Target

You know I have an obsession with pineapples.  So, when I found this pineapple float at Target before our trip, I had to have it!  Sad thing is, the pool was closed for the majority of our trip, at the hotel, and it was never actually floated on.  However, it did make a super cute large window decoration for our room!  haha

4.  Kate Spade Backpack

I've been obsessed with backpacks lately!  One of my shopping goals for this trip, was to find a cute backpack.  When I found this one at the Kate Spade outlet in St. Augustine, I was super excited!  It's small, but still the perfect size to keep everything you need!

5.  Pandora Rose Gold Stack Ring

I've never had anything from Pandora before, but when I was at the Artsy Abode boutique in St. Augustine, I couldn't get over how cute this thin rose gold stack ring was!  I must say, I loved how it looked with my wedding band and engagement ring... and since our anniversary is coming up... Just sayin!

6.  Army Green Sweater from Banana Republic

I love a nice thin sweater that you can throw on over anything!  I found this gem at the Banana Republic outlet in St. Augustine for $11.00!  You know I love this army green, so I was super excited when I tried it on and it was a perfect cozy fit, and for the price! OMG!  It's a must have for Fall.

8.25.17 Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I have a special version of my Friday Favorites that I want to do next week.  So, I thought I definitely needed to show some love for my favorites this week.

Here's the list of the things that caught my eye and made me swoon throughout this week!

1. CMKreations Ring

My sweet Chihuahua, Louie, passed away July 15.  Growing up, he was the only dog I've ever had and he was absolutely perfect.  My heart has been broken since, and I wanted something to wear everyday that made me feel like he was still with me.  My mom found CMKreations on Etsy and they have the most darling personalized rings ever! Check out CMKreations!

2. Business Boutique by Christy Wright

My husband surprised me last week, by ordering a book for me.  

Number 1, I was surprised that he actually ordered a book for me. 

Number 2, I was surprised that I hadn't heard of this awesome book before! 

"Business Boutique" by Christy Wright is an awesome tool for woman entrepreneurs.  So far, I'm only in Chapter 2 and I'm already in love with this inspiring book!

3. Adidas Tank

So, I will say, this Adidas trend seemed to come out of nowhere, but I am loving it.  Adidas tanks were part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and they were selling out like crazy!  I feel like this tank with leggings, or distressed jeans and tennis shoes, are the perfect outfits for going into the Fall season.  

4. Kate Spade Backpack

Another trend that I am loving, and that takes me back to 1999, is the backpack.  Backpacks were so handy, much like fanny packs.  haha!  Kate Spade has a ton of super cute backpack styles right now.  One of my favorites is this Watson Lane Hartley bag in Evergreen.  If you know me, you know I am obsessed with this army green color.  So, of course this one is my favorite!  I foresee a backpack in my near future! 

5.  Pumpkin Spice Tee from Bad Habit Boutique

I am one of those people who may or may not already be decorating their house for Fall, waiting for everything pumpkin spice to come in the stores, and patiently waiting for football, cooler weather, and bonfire nights.  Who else is with  me?!  I absolutely LOVE this adorable tee from Bad Habit Boutique.  Yes, pumpkin spice IS my favorite season!  ;)

6.  Tassel Bookmarks by Painter Designs

I've always loved having a planner.  Even in today's technology driven world, I still love to be able to jot down ideas and my plans for the upcoming weeks.  I created these fun, rose gold, tassel bookmarks as planner accessories, or to save your place in your favorite book.   Check them out on my Etsy shop. 

Jury Duty Fashion

So, last month, I got a letter in the mail that we all dread...  A jury duty summons.

However, last week was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.  It really consists of long hours of just sitting and waiting.  So, if you've never had to do it, don't stress over it!  Just think of it as time to turn off your phone and get away from the outside world.  Kind of like a vacation... Well, not really.

If you've been working for yourself, like me, sometimes it's hard to remember what you wore in the "real world" when you had to actually get "dressed up" everyday.   Lately, me getting dressed up means that I wear my "nice" yoga pants or Nike shorts.  This week, I took it as a challenge to pair some of the things I haven't worn in a while, accessorize, and just go for it!   This post breaks down what I wore each day and maybe it will inspire your fashion too for jury duty, or for work.

Day 1:

Since it's been nearly a thousand degrees here in the South every day this month, I tried to wear something that was cool, but something that I  could wear a sweater over, for how chilly it was in the courthouse.  

This pink top actually came from Sam's Club a couple of years ago and is the perfect length.  

The black dress pants are from The Limited and are a staple in my work wardrobe.

The strappy Steve Madden shoes are from Belk.

The tan cozy sweater is from Old Navy last year.  

Day 2:

I went with the same idea each day of wearing a sleeveless top and a sweater.  

This white peplum top has adorable embroidered edging around the bottom and it came from Old Navy for only $8, this Spring!  

The black dress pants are from The Limited.

The animal print kitten heeled flats have been one of my favorite pairs of shoes for so many years. I've even had to get the heel replaced once and I paid maybe $6 for them at Target on clearance over 5 years ago.  I don't know what I would do without them!

The tan cozy sweater is from Old Navy last year.  

The tassel necklace is one of my designs.  Check it out on my Etsy shop! 

Day 3:

I am loving the whole palm print this Summer!  So, when I found this top at TJ Maxx AND it had pink tassels around the bottom of it, I had to have it!    

These black dress pants are perfect!  They're from Express and have the best stretch to them.  These are the "Columnist" fit.

I also love these chunky tan heels from Belk.  They truly go great with any outfit!  They're made by New Direction.

The off white cable sweater is from Belk several years ago.  I feel like it's one of those timeless pieces that you can keep forever. I love the detail around the front of it too.

The necklace is one of my designs.  Check it out on my Etsy shop! 

The bracelet is also one of my designs and is inspired from the Bourbon and Bowties bracelets.

Day 4:

This burnt orange, rust colored shirt has been one of my favorites for over a year now!  It's from Anthropologie  and goes perfectly with dress pants, jeans, or just about anything!  It's slightly longer in the back and the front is silk and blousy.  

The black dress pants are from The Limited and are cropped skinny leg.

The tan heels are also from Target and are Merona brand.  I bought this pair and a coral pair last year and paid about $8 a pair on clearance.  So chic, and no one would ever know they were $8 shoes!

The tan cozy sweater is the same one from Old Navy last year.  

The bracelets are my design and also some of the bracelets that I wore on my wedding day in 2014.

Check out this blog post for details from my wedding.

6.30.17 Friday Favorites

I think I should rename these posts "Monthly Favorites." haha!

Blogging is no joke when you're working, a photographer, jewelry designer, painter, doing graphic design, and being a wife.  It's hard to make time to fit it all in and I feel like it's gotten even more difficult during the Summer months!

Here's my Friday Favorites list of the things that have caught my eye and made me swoon throughout the month of June.  Hey, that rhymes!

1. A Blissful Nest - Kitchen Inspiration

I've always loved a round or bay window sitting area in any room of the house.  So, I fell in love with this beautiful white kitchen, with mint island, and round breakfast nook area, that A Blissful Nest shared this month.  She has the most gorgeous home inspiration on her blog.  Can I please just vacation in this kitchen though?!

2.  Off the Shoulder Top from Target

I've been such a sucker for the off the shoulder trend this Summer!  I love this blue and white striped off the shoulder top, with cut out embroidery, from Target.  I found it at my local Target and they didn't have my size.  So, I ordered it online and it's the perfect top for the Summer!  It's super cute with navy shorts or white pants if you want to dress it up a little more.  Best part is that it's only $24.99!  (If you plan on purchasing, you might want to go down a size, because it does runs a little big.)

3. Nike In-Season Trail 6

If you know me, you know that I have been faithful to Mizuno for my running shoes.  Now, I still don't think anything can replace them for running...  However, I love these Nike In-Season Trail 6 shoes for walking and everyday wear.  They have a sleek and trendy design and are super comfortable!  The coral color sold me on these, but I literally just bought another pair,  in black and white this week.  They have a memory foam insole which is simply amazing!  I have been wearing them every chance I get! 

4. Hazel and Olive Paradise High Low Palm Maxi Dress

Hazel and Olive always have the cutest outfits and tops!  When they posted this dress on Instagram this week, I instantly thought I needed it for a beach trip this Summer, or maybe a cruise...  I wanted to plan a vacation around this dress!  I love the palm print and the high low cut of it.  So stinkin cute!

5.  Iced Coffee Recipe

This week, my mom decided to make iced coffee and made up her own recipe.  The results were amazing!  I can't get enough of it!  Check out my blog post for the recipe here.

6.   Pearl and Gold Oyster Shell Necklace

Us Southern girls love our pearls.  You know what else I've been loving lately?  Oyster shells!  I've made several oyster shell necklaces lately, and this one might just be my favorite!  Check it out in my Etsy shop!

4.21.17 Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

After all of the Easter craziness, I decided that I definitely needed to post again this week for my Friday Favorites.  The past several weeks have been chaotic with making an abundance of burlap bunny rabbit napkin rings for all of the Etsy orders that came through.  I've also had several photo sessions this week that I was super excited about!  I'm so thankful for the best clients ever!

Here's this week's list of the things that caught my eye and made me swoon!

1. Kirklands Kitchen Canisters

This week, I went to our brand new Kirklands in Greenville.  I immediately fell in love with all of the new Spring and Summer decor!  Being the Southern girl that I am, I also fell in love with these precious mason jar looking canisters!  They have a rubber seal around the top too, to make sure your contents stay fresh.  I also love this color!

2. Decor from The Adorned Fox

I am SO proud of my sweet friend Tabathia with The Adorned Fox.  She is taking her business to new heights, with all of her awesome new items and with the opportunity of being at the Pinners Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend.   She is such an inspiration!  I absolutely love this sign that she created this week!

3.  Desk Inspo from Cotton Stem 

This desk space is what cozy office dreams are made of!  I can't get over how fresh and adorable this desk is that Erin from Cotten Stem shared on Instagram this week.  I need this desk! I need those succulents!  I also need to be this organized!  haha!  

4.  Pineapple Wine Tumbler from Moonstruck

This week I had lunch with one of my best friends, and she brought me the cutest pineapple wine tumbler and beach towel for my birthday!  Both came from Moonstruck, a local store in Mauldin, South Carolina.  Adorable!

5.  Tory Burch Castaway Canvas Espadrilles

As we know, I have an obsession with pineapples!  So, when I saw these on the Neiman Marcus website this week...  Ah!  These would be perfect for a weekend getaway to the coast, or even brunch with your girlfriends.  Pair them with a little black dress or cut off jean shorts!  Anything would be cute!

 6. Off the Shoulder Top at Target

I am loving the off the shoulder top trend!  Everywhere you look, there are super cute off the shoulder styles.  I love the eyelet and scalloped details of this white top from Target.  Best part, it's only $29.99!

Spring is in the Air!

Well, kind of.

We are actually having a crazy cold front coming through the South right now!  We even had snow in Greenville, South Carolina, over the weekend.  However, it hasn't stopped me from feeling Springy!  I've changed most of my home decor over to my Spring and Easter decor and I'm transitioning my Etsy shop into Spring and Summer items.  Make sure you check it out!

I am LOVING these precious crochet bunny hats that I've been working on.  I made a ton of them for the Greer Relief Craft and Gift Fair last weekend and I just can't get enough of them!  They are so stinkin' adorable!  Check out my Etsy shop for more details and pricing!

These bunny napkin rings might just be my new favorite Easter decor item!  I absolutely love them!  My mom found them on Pottery Barn's website and they were all sold out.  So, being the crafty woman that she is, she decided to attempt to make something similar herself!  The results were too cute!  These will also be available on my Etsy shop soon.   

Of course, you know I love my tassel jewelry!  So, I wanted to make something in Spring colors to go with the Spring and Summer trends.  I love these mint green tassel earrings!   They scream beach trip and Lilly to me!  :)